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DEAR MAINTENANCE MEN
Stainless steel knobs and pulls can make an older unit look more modern.
Check at your local home improvement center for ideas along with these brand names to look for: Westlock, Hamilton Sinkler, Schlage, Baldwin, Kwikset.
DEAR MAINTENANCE MEN:
I hear the term “Aging in Place” and wondered as an apartment owner, what I could do to market to this growing segment of our population? What should I do to make my property more “Aging in Place” friendly?
- Sanford
Dear Sanford:
Baby Boomers are 25 percent of the population and the first of the Boomers turned 65 in 2011 and the last will turn 65 in 2029. We heard on the radio the other day that 85 is now the new 75 and so on down the line. That is a large healthy aging group! They are not going to go quietly into a nursing home which means as apartment owners & managers; we need to prepare for this group. Aging in place means bigger showers with wider doors, taller toilets, grab bars and bath sinks that will accommodate wheelchairs. This does not mean turning our units into institutions; there are many stylish accommodations to fit a number of needs. For example, a grab bar capable of supporting 250 pounds does not need to look like it came out of a hospital. Grab bars come in a variety colors and designs. Many will double as towel bars and be virtually invisible to their primary purpose unless needed. A larger shower stall also will look opulent and practical at the same time. Replace old two handle faucets in the kitchen and bathroom for single handle or touch faucets. Consider installing anti-skid flooring in the bathroom and tub/shower area. A few other items might be contrasting color edging for the counter tops along with rounded edge and corners. Replace all doorknobs with lever handles for ease of use. This is a small sample of the things you can do to stay competitive in a growing market while not making changes that younger generations would objectionable.
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